The ground is saturated with alkalai, and nothing grows there. There
are most likely several more burials than what is listed here, as evidenced
by several areas of ground-sinking.

There have been reports of a glowing light dancing in the cemetery.
Apparently, there is a light on a water tower near the cemetery which
reflects off of a black marble tombstone that causes this eerie glow.

Travel to the north end of the City of Imperial on Highway 86. At the
intersection with Larsen street, head east. The road curves to the south,
and changes names to Clark street. The Cemetery is about 1/10th of a
mile from the curve on the east side of the road.

- Steve Paul Johnson

Tombstone Inscriptions

The following records were compiled by Steve Johnson and Stacy Vellas
from inscriptions of tombstones remaining as of November 19, 2000.

Tasaki Murder

On Christmas of 1913, Matsuhei Tasaki, a restaurant owner was murdered
for his money, and was subsequently buried here. His assailants were
never found. The following appeared in the "The Brawley News"
following his death:

"The Brawley News

Friday, December 26, 1913

Robbers Slay Japanese at Imperial Bold Desperados Shoot Two Restaurant
Men and Escape

Two bold bandits yesterday afternoon shot and killed M. Tasaki,
proprietor of the Mocha restaurant, opposite the King Cotton hotel
at Imperial, and seriously wounded I. Takahashi, waiter, and escaped.

Sheriff Meadows and his deputies are on their trail and it is
not believed they can escape capture. A battle to the finish may be
fought, for it is believed the fugitives are gunmen of experience
and entirely reckless of consequences.

The sheriff has only a meagre description. The wounded Japanese
was so excited he did not observe their appearance carefully. One
man was tall, wearing a black hat, the other short, and both were
dressed as workingmen.

The slayers ate their meal in the restaurant during the day and
the hospitable proprietor did his best to serve an enjoyable Christmas
dinner. Late in the evening when everyone was gone except the Japanese,
the desperadoes entered heisurely, covered Tasaki with revolvers and
ordered him to throw up his hands. He started to run and was instantly
shot dead.

Tasaki's wife was hiding in terror behind the counter and the
slayers did not see her. Takahashi, the waiter, entered and, was shot
in the side. It is hoped he may recover.